TxDOT launches ‘Talk, Text, Crash’ campaign

To coincide with Distracted Driving Awareness Month in April, Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is launching a “Talk, Text, Crash” campaign to remind drivers to stay focused on the road.

“People are dying on Texas roadways because drivers are diverting their attention from the road to talk on a phone, send a text, post to social media or engage in some other distracting behavior,” said TxDOT Executive Director James Bass. “When drivers take their focus off the road, they put themselves, their passengers and others at risk. It’s just not worth it.”

Last year, there were 108,962 distracted driving crashes in Texas – up 3 percent over 2015. Those crashes killed 452 people and seriously injured another 3,068. These crashes are highest among younger drivers ages 16 to 34.

While mobile phone use is the most recognizable driving distraction, other high-risk activities that can take your eyes or mind off the road include adjusting a music player, grooming, eating or programming a navigation system.

The “Talk, Text, Crash” campaign reminds drivers to:

Put away the phone – or turn it off – before getting behind the wheel.

Pull over to a safe location if you must talk or text.

Use an app that will block texts and calls while driving.

Tell friends, family and colleagues you won’t respond to calls or texts when driving.